East Tennessee State University Student Conduct & Academic Misconduct Defense

Honor Code and Pledge emphasizing honesty, integrity, and civility

Coordinated by Dean of Students

Educational rather than punitive approach

Amnesty policy for students reporting sexual misconduct

Separate procedures for academic misconduct versus other disciplinary violations

Who handles academic misconduct cases at ETSU?

Student-Faculty Judicial Committee (UNVERIFIED: needs human research) has jurisdiction over academic misconduct matters at ETSU. Administrative hearings, student courts, and a student-faculty judicial committee Violations of ETSU's disciplinary policy and Student Code of Conduct

What is the evidence standard at ETSU?

ETSU applies preponderance of evidence level (more likely than not) under General Policy on Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions (UNVERIFIED: needs human research). Student-Faculty Judicial Committee uses this standard when determining whether a student is responsible for an alleged violation. The evidence standard is critical because it determines how strong the evidence must be before a finding of responsibility can be made.

What rights do I have during a ETSU conduct proceeding?

Under General Policy on Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions, students facing a Student-Faculty Judicial Committee proceeding have specific procedural rights, including the right to be informed of violation charges within seven business days; understand the process and timeframe for response; know grade sanctions applied; an educational approach rather than punitive. Exercising these rights correctly from the first notice can materially affect the outcome of your case.

How is an academic misconduct case initiated at ETSU?

Reports of violations may be made by contacting the Dean's Office of the College where the violation is alleged to have occurred. For violations outside the classroom, report to the Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs

What sanctions can ETSU impose for academic misconduct?

Student-Faculty Judicial Committee can impose a range of sanctions depending on the violation, including grade sanctions, community service, unverified: needs human research. The specific sanction depends on the facts, the student's prior record, and any mitigating factors presented during the proceeding. Sanction-phase advocacy is often as important as the responsibility phase, since even a first finding can carry long-term consequences on transcripts and graduate school applications.

How do I appeal a decision at ETSU, and what is the deadline?

The appeal deadline at ETSU is UNVERIFIED: needs human research. A student may appeal the outcome of a hearing to an appellate person who did not serve on the original hearing. Appeals must be based on one or more of three grounds: new information is available, the sanction was unduly harsh, or due process was not given. Appeal grounds typically include unverified: needs human research. Appeals that succeed are usually the ones that ground each argument in the record and the specific policy language, not emotional or general objections.

Do I need a lawyer for a ETSU Student-Faculty Judicial Committee proceeding?

In most cases, no. ETSU's proceedings follow university policy under General Policy on Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions, not the legal system. What you need is someone who understands ETSU's specific procedures, the evidence standard, and how sanctions are assessed. An education advocate typically provides stronger, more targeted guidance than a general-practice attorney because the body of law here is university policy, not criminal or civil procedure. AdvocatED brings deep, specialized expertise in these exact processes at a fraction of a law firm's cost.

How does ETSU handle Title IX cases?

ETSU handles Title IX matters separately from general academic misconduct, through the ETSU Title IX Office. Title IX Coordinator available to provide guidance on rights and responsibilities. All employees are mandatory reporters. Reporting portal available at https://www.etsu.edu/universitycounsel/compliance/focusareas/titleix.php Title IX proceedings have their own procedures, evidence standards, and timelines. If you are a respondent in a Title IX case at ETSU, you should not conflate the process with general conduct cases, and you should respond carefully to any notice you receive.

What are the most common academic misconduct violations at ETSU?

At ETSU, the most frequently cited violations include: plagiarism; cheating; fabrication. Knowing which violation is alleged is the foundation of an effective defense, because the response strategy differs substantially based on whether the case involves plagiarism, AI use, exam cheating, collaboration, or a procedural technicality.

What are the key deadlines in a ETSU conduct case?

At ETSU, the most consequential deadlines are: Student must receive written notice of academic misconduct violation within seven business days. Missing any of these windows can eliminate procedural options that are otherwise available. If you have received a notice from Student-Faculty Judicial Committee, document the dates on the notice immediately and calendar every deadline, even ones that do not seem urgent.